Monday, January 11, 2010

Requests meeting of open and honest dialogue in the best interest for the state.

PHOENIX, AZ– January 7, 2010 – After receiving numerous letters from supporters, Mayor Vernon Parker wrote a letter to Bryan Howard, President/CEO ofPlanned ParenthoodArizonaopposingJan Brewerattending the home of a prominent Planned Parenthoodleader and requesting a meeting for open, honest dialog in the best interests for Arizona. The text of the letter follows:

Bryan Howard

5651 N. 7thSt.

Phoenix, AZ 85014

Dear Mr. Howard:

I write to you today to let you know that I have been in contact and have agreed to meet with members of Planned Parenthood in case you can make it. This meeting is to discuss why I strongly opposedJan Brewerattending a fundraising event held at the home of a prominentPlanned Parenthoodleader.

As you are aware, I have received many letters from supporters of Planned Parenthood. They all say basically the same thing. Most letters make the case that Planned Parenthood provides needed health services to low-income women and that abortion-related services are a fraction of the overall work of Planned Parenthood. That may in fact be the case.

As I noted in my press release (enclosed), many of my supporters are pro-choice. However, I can never support your organization’s position on abortions. And, worse yet, I cannot support an organization that lobbies the legislature and courts on behalf of one of the most gruesome procedures imaginable,partial birth abortion.

Planned Parenthood has consistently lobbied against middle-of-the-road reform such as parental consent, parental notification, informed consent and a waiting period. By any reasonable standard, Planned Parenthood is far outside the mainstream of public opinion on all these issues.

I strongly believe that life begins at conception. I can’t compromise that deeply held personal value.

My press release strongly encouraged Jan Brewer to cancel the fundraiser because she was sending mixed messages. As someone who is pro-life, I would not knowingly attend a fundraiser at a home of someone who played such a prominent leadership role with your organization.

I will coordinate a time with the group that has contacted me. While our differences on these critical issues will not be resolved by meeting, I believe open and honest dialogue is in the best interests of everyone.